HELP!!! I am a newbie yellow lab(bitch) owner. She is 14 months old and has developed a rash, which we have been trying to eliminate for the past six months. This is what we have tried: 1. first round of antibiotics and prednisone - rash went away and then came back in 2 weeks. 2. second round of antibiotics and prednisone - rash went away and came back in one week 3. Fish oil and an immune booster, no success. 4. third round of antibiotics and prednisone, which we are tapering and redness is starting to come back. It starts with red membranes (ears, anus, inside ears and tummy and between hind legs.) The redness is itchy and bumps develop, some pustules. It turns dry/flaky and sometimes raw, especially where she is able to scratch and bite or rub. Recently she seems to be blowing her coat. Her bedding/crate, our house etc has not changed in anyway since she came to us. (no dryer sheets, baking soda unscented detergent. ) We are trying to eliminate a food allergy so she has been on a salmon based dog food for a month. ( no snacks or any other type of food allowed) Although I hate to keep using antibiotics and prednisone it seems to be the only thing that gives some reprieve. At times I have had to use benadryl because she rubs so hard and often that areas bleed (around her eyes and ears). She remains spirited, happy and well-behaved. No bad habits, or temperment changes. Has anyone had this experience or known of anyone who has? I have always owned dogs, but she is our first lab family member. We feel so bad watching her go through this. We are working with our vet and holistic pet store, but I wonder if anyone has further ideas/input? Please? I'm crying %20void(0);
...Signed: Deluxbury Lab Mom

Has your vet done any thyroid testing? I had a yellow girl who presented very similarily. Although she did not fit the profile for a low thyroid (she was only 10 months at the time of testing), the vet did it as a process of elimination. Low and behold, she was extremely low and within a week of starting Soloxine, she began to improve immediately. Her overall quality of life was vastly improved. She would have the odd flair-up of symptoms that either meant her thyroid meds needed adjusting or it was an allergic reaction.

Sounds like a plan! It certainly can't hurt to try a thyroid test. She has not had any bloodwork done yet. Thank you.

Did u try allergy testing. Had similar problem with my girl. Almost the same symptoms. She was suffering with her allergies. Did one year allergy shots and temaril-p.Didn't help much. She is now on atopica /cyclosporin/ and doing excellent.

Joanne!!! Wow, went to vet today and asked vet to test my girl's thryoid. Lo and behold it is pretty low. We are going to start thryoid med. Thank you so much, love you!!!!!!